Authors note's- Heya guys, apologies for the wait. Back with another chapter. Please enjoy!

Disclaimer- I own nothing

Chapter 12 Legend Of The Gargoyle

Cathy and Sophie were standing in the courtyard of the Vale house hold. Cathy was standing in black track pants, a white short sleeve shirt, black and white running shoes, with black sweat bands on both wrists. Her friend Sophie wearing a simple maroon track suit. Standing before them was Dante in his regular attire, in front of him were two cream clay vases. Each vase standing four feet tall, with a two foot wide opening. Inside said vase was a strange liquid substance than appeared to look like wet cement.

"Alright team, today I will be teaching you a new spell to help with your offense. Now if I remember right, from what you told me Cathy. When you struck Lok you had red electricity running through your fist correct?" Dante asked as he walked to a third vase that was to his right.

Cathy nodded her head while crossing her arms. "Yep, it was strange. I was charging at Lok preparing to strike, then out of nowhere I felt a rush of power course through my hand." At her statement Cathy looked down to her left hand. Thinking about how much power she felt in that moment. It was exhilarating, however it was also a little scary.

Dante nodded, a small smile gracing his features. He then walked behind the third vase. His arms crossed behind his back, his eyes shifted to Sophie. "Now then, Sophie. Could you explain to Cathy what that power was?" His tone was encouraging, he was pretty confident she already knew the answer.

Without hesitation Sophie jumped on the question. "Of course, what Cathy experienced was the first stage of the spell Dragon Fist." She stated cheerfully, always ready to show off her knowledge. "However, I'm surprised she was able to unlock the first stage naturally."

Dante couldn't help but agree. "Usually you have to understand the nature and formation of the magic to learn a spell." Dante pulled up his right sleeve up to his elbow. Taking a deep breath he closed his eyes, as he did the familiar sparks of red electricity began to coat his hand. He slowly opened his eyes, a small grin appearing on his face. "However, where the spell Dragon Fist is mostly connected to strong emotions you'd be surprised with how easy the first step is."

Cathy and Sophie couldn't help but gasp. Cathy noticed the difference between the one she made and Dante's. His appeared brighter, more potent if you will. The red electricity was more consistent than what she conjured. She could almost feel the energy radiating from his fist, it was a little intimidating.

"Now, the first stage of the Dragon Fist is powerful, but it comes with a cost. The electricity you see here is burning through your energy at a high rate." Dante explained as he appeared to begin struggling. He gripped his right wrist with his left hand. A small trail of sweat began to run down his right temple. "Plus, in the first stage the explosive power is no where near the damage of a true Dragon Fist." With that he clenched his fist into a tight ball. "Dragon Fist!" With the shout of the spell a golden glow burst from his hand. Letting out a small sigh of relief he held up his spell covered hand, showing it to his students.

Cathy began to shift her feet a little bit. The excitement of learning the spell could no longer be contained. She needed to get that spell down pat. She still has burst of phantom pains in her jaw every now and again from where Lok had almost knocked her head off.

Sophie was impressed to say the least, of course she wouldn't expect anything less than from the Foundations number one seeker. However, a thought came to her. One she was more than willing to ask. "Dante, what are the vases for ?" Cathy looked towards Sophie feeling silly she didn't ask the very same question. "Yeah Dante, what gives ? Especially with that gunk inside?" Cathy felt a shiver run up her spine as she was looking at the cold yet bubbling goop in front of her.

Dante gave them a harmless smile, but the girls took notice of the hint of mischief in the older man's smile. "Well, learning the first and second step of the Dragon Fist is the easy part. The hard part to truly mastering this spell is the duration." With his explanation came a demonstration. He slowly inserted his fist into the vase, reaching all way down to the elbow as he slowly began to move his arm around.

"This special goop here is a mix of a few things I had lying around the house. A recipe my teacher gave me when I was learning the spell. Sure, it smells horrible. Plus it doesn't really come out of clothes but hey." He chuckled as he pulled his hand back out. The spell no longer active as he showed he was holding a small wooden carving of a wolf. "You can't beat training like this." He smiled as he placed the carving to the side.

"Now, the goop also has a few more purposes as well. One, the spell is highly dangerous. So this will help teach you control. This spell is only in case of emergencies. Two, the nature of this mixture is more along the lines of quick sand. So good luck digging through it while not having the spell active. However, you should be able to get your arm out without it being active." Dante's hand reached up and gently cupped his chin. "Well, you should at least." He chuckled seeing the horrific looks on the girls faces.

With a crisp clapping of his hands he gave them the Vale charm smile. "Well then, while we wait for Judas Lore's notes to be decoded I'll leave you to your training." He spun around and began to walk to his home. "Your objective is simple. With the aid of Dragon Fist, reach in and pull out the charms that are residing in the bottom of the vases." Dante stopped at the doorway leading into his home. He turned around and was met by the strong resolve held in the girls eyes. "If you need me I'll be in my office. Got some reports to finish filing. Good luck." With a smile Dante entered his home and gently closing the door behind him.

Cathy and Sophie looked to one another, the two friends had the same look in their eyes. A strong passion to succeed, and they will do just that. "Alright !" Cathy shouted out. She marched up to her vase, hands on her hips. Blue steel eyes priming with confidence. She stood there for a few seconds, a small drop of sweat ran down her forehead. "Hey, uh Sophie?" Cathy's voice cracked ever so slightly calling out to her friend.

Sophie looked towards Cathy her eyebrow raised ever so slightly. "Yes Cathy, what is it?" Was all she asked as Cathy slowly turned her head towards the strawberry blonde. "He told us everything about the exercise. But he didn't tell us anything about unlocking the second stage of the spell." Sophie's left eye twitched ever so slightly at the realization. "No, no he did not."

A lone man could be seen walking down a long hallway. Whistling a soft gentle tune, however the aura he gave off made the whistle eerie. His steps light and even, almost as if he was hunting something, or someone. He wore black dress pants, a white button up shirt. The sleeves of said shirt rolled up to the forearms. Showing the lean muscular form of his body.

A silk black vest buttoned up prim and proper. However, the top three buttons of the shirt were undone. Showing off a bit of his toned chess. Lacking a tie, the leather gloved hands of the man reached up and fixed the collar of his shirt. Making it lay down flat and proper. His black Italian leather shoes freshly polish. He walked up to a steel door, taking a moment to pull out a pair of sunglasses.

He looked at his reflection in the lenses, a pair of dead blue eyes staring back at him. The blue eyes flashed red for a singular moment as a devilish smile formed on his lips. He let out a haunting chuckle, had anyone heard it. They would have sworn the temperature of the room dropped a few degrees.

He fought back the urge to let out a mad fit of laughter, but he managed to control himself. "Showtime." Was the only word to escape his lips as he slipped the glasses on his face. Keeping the grin on his features he walked into the break room of the Organization headquarters. He was suddenly met with a loud shout of his name. "Lok!"

The blonde boy smiled as his two best friends came running up to him. "Aw, did you two miss me that much ?" A chuckle followed his question. Owen wrapped his arm over Lok's shoulder. "You know it! We can't believe you're here. When we had seen you, you looked messed up bad."

Jenny walked to Lok's free side, a small smile on her face. "We got worried about you kid." Was all she said as she gently raised her fist and playfully knocked it into his shoulder. Unfortunately, anyone could tell. She was relieved beyond belief. She wouldn't admit it to anyone, she had trouble sleeping the night she saw Lok hooked up to all those monitors.

Lok merely let out a scoff as he patted them on their shoulders, as the rest of the group came up to Lok. Each of them giving their own form of congratulations and welcomes. He wasn't expecting so much of a warm reception.

With Tony, he received a solid fist pump and welcome back. James gave him a handshake and a pat on the shoulder. Vince being Vince simply walked by and ruffled Lok's hair with a welcome back. Diana crossed her arms and said to do better next time. But after a moment Diana relented and gave him a professional hand shake. Delilah and Tabitha followed behind them. Delilah giving a light hug, and Tabitha giving him a respected nod.

"The professor told me what you guys were gonna do." Lok's voice broke through the light celebration. With that one statement, the group all went quiet and a few of them even blushed ever so slightly. Before anyone could say anything. Lok gave them a playful smirk. "I appreciate it, just so you know. I won't forget this. It means a lot to me."

With that being said they all went their separate ways. Leaving Owen, Jenna, and Lok by their selfs. With a crisp spin on his heels, Lok made his way out of the room. The two instantly following behind his step. Owen on his right and Jenna on his left. A ritual they had made back when they became a trio.

"Why are you up anyways ? Shouldn't you be resting ?" Jenna asked him nonchalantly, placing her hands in her pockets. Her two companions followed her motion, as the hallway became filled with the sounds of their steps. Only to be challenged by a small hum from Lok. "The old man told me about the request Owen had, so I came to fallow through. Besides, I would go stir crazy on bed rest." Jenna's and Owen's eyes met. Giving each other a confused glance at the casual borderline insulting title Lok gave the Professor.

"Huh, well what exactly happened? We tried to figure out what happened. But the reports are locked up tight. The only thing we got was what Diana and Tabitha told us." Owen asked him as he took a once over of his friend. He didn't notice it in the beginning because he was excited to see him moving about. However, he noticed that Lok seemed different.

Usually, Lok would be relaxed. Trying to fight off the boredom of down time between assignments. Looking at Lok now, he was a little put off. It was slight differences, but it spoke volumes. His friends had been tense the whole time. As if he was waiting for something to happen, no that didn't seem right. It was as if Lok was hoping for something to happen. As if any second now they would be attacked. Or in this case, any second Lok would attack anything or anyone. The thing that stuck out to him the most, was that creepy smile Lok had on his face. He hadn't seen the smile leave Lok's face. Not even for a moment.

Before he could continue his train of thought, he was caught off guard. Looking into Owen's eyes were a pair of dead blue eyes. Lok's sunglasses had slipped down, resting comfortably on the bridge of his nose. Owen gulped down a lump in his throat as Lok wrapped an arm around his shoulder playfully. "Oh, don't worry about that. Just got caught off guard by one of Dante's toy soldiers."

Owen heard the groaning of leather next to his ear as Lok clenched a fist. The smile on his face deepened ever so slightly. Lok's voice came out cold yet somehow playful. Like a hunter whispering sweet nothings to an animal before pulling the trigger. "I hope to get to play with them again. I had a lot of time to think about what I'm going to do to them. I think I came up with some, hmm clever ideas."

Then as if someone flipped a switch, Lok pulled back his arm and appeared to be holding back a laugh. As if someone told him a hilarious joke. Yet no one said anything, after a few moments he corrected himself. "Well anyways, I have a meeting to get to. I'll catch you guys later." With a small wave from behind he made his way down one of the many hallways of the Organization HQ.

The two suits waited until Lok was out of sight, their eyes never leaving the hallway that Lok had went down. "You noticed it too huh?" Owen asked as he looked to his left, meeting the waiting eyes of Jenna. Who merely nodded her head. "Something is up." Was all she said as the two looked back towards the hallway. They didn't know what as going on. However, they didn't have a good feeling about it.

Lok made it to his destination without any issues. With a quick knock on the door, he found himself standing in front of The Profesor. Looking around, he wasn't alone. Grier and Defoe were also here. Grier was a statue as always. Defoe on the other hand appeared nervous, he was still in the dog house for the failure of golem.

Without missing a beat, The Professor got to the point. "Lok, glad to see you doing well. I was just telling Defoe about his newest assignment." With a shift of his eyes, he glared at Defoe. "Remember, secure the titan and the chamber of the titan Gar-Ghoul. Now go." Defoe immediately walked out of the room eager to make up for his previous mistake. Grier gave a crisp yes sir and filled behind Defoe, taking a moment to give a nod to his fellow blonde. Lok returning it with a two finger salute. Lok went to follow them before The Professor spoke up once again. "Lok, just a moment."

Pausing his movement, he spun back around and looked at The Professor. Letting the door close after Defoe and Grier left the room. A tense silence filled the room as a grinning Lok simply looked at The Professor. His father appeared to be studying him, until he after a few moments he spoke. "You won't be going on the assignment."

Lok's breath hitched ever so slightly, the grin on his face not moving. However, the boys eyes narrowed slightly. "May I ask why? I was looking forward to repaying Cathy for my troubles." His tone was calm, but The Professor was no fool. The look in Lok's eyes held nothing but rage. He was thrilled with the improvement of his son, even though he was filled with a bright burning rage, he still showed nothing but respect for his father. Knowing better than to rage or challenge him.

The Professor reached into his desk and pulled out a vanilla folder. He placed it on his desk and gestured the boy to look at it. "Oh do not worry, you are still going to France my dear boy. Just this assignment is more tailored to your skills."

Lok walked up to the desk flipping open the file, the contents of said file contained a picture of Dante Vale. Along with some general information,also with a list of confirmed titans Dante has been known to use in the field. Lok's blue eyes looked up to his Father's. "What's the assignment?"

The Professor leaned back in his chair, a smile forming on the man's face. "Hm, think more of it as a challenge." The Professor locked his finger together and rested his hands on his desk. "Your challenge is to kill Dante vale."

Lok's blue eyes widened slightly, the smile on his face appearing more genuine. "Why Professor, I accept the challenge." With his confirmation he picked up the folder and made his way to the door. He paused as he looked back to his father. "How do you know he is going to be in France?" The question seemed innocent enough, however underneath the question appeared the calculating gaze of Lok.

The professor merely smiled as he stood from his chair and walked over to his painting of the world map. He stared at the painting, his armes resting behind his back. Without looking back to him he merely let out an amused hum. "Call it seeker intuition."

With that Lok's eyes flashed red for only a moment. "If you say so Professor. I'll complete this task." With a wave Lok left the office. A comfortable silence filled the air, The Professor's good eye glanced to where Lok was once standing. "Maybe. Maybe not." Was all that he said as he walked back to his desk. "Only time will tell."

Zhalia was walking along the streets of Venice, she had came to this place plenty of times. However, this would be the first time she has been invited. Any other time has been for a sake of a mission. Zhalia didn't know how to feel, being invited to Dante's place of residence. It was a change of pace that's for sure.

Walking along the streets she allowed the rare chance for her thoughts to wonder. Her first meeting of the team was eventful. However, she pretty much made a profile for everyone on team Vale. First was Dante, team leader and teacher.

Her thoughts of the man were rather generous in her opinion. He was observer, he was always observing and taking in new information. Taking in the tiniest of details, forming plans or solutions based on what he has. His fighting skills were a testament to them selfs. He was a monster in hand to hand. A perfect balance of spells and fighting expertise. Normally seekers rely too heavily on spells and powerful titans. Making it easy to take them out, not Dante however. With a demon at his command like Caliban, and his expanded lists of spells, on top of his martial arts skills. He was a terrifying opponent indeed.

The one thing that surprised her however, was his presence. She had been expecting a brash, arrogant, and simple minded beat stick. The kind of person who has everyone's eyes on them. Instead, he was reserved. Almost normal, as if he could disappear in a crowd with no issue. He would only let you know he was there if he let you. That part was a little scary, however she would admit he was easy on the eyes.

Then was the team newbie, Cathy. Zhalia wouldn't lie, when she had first seen the girl. The only thought that came to her mind was dead girl walking. Yet somehow, despite only being a seeker for being almost a week. She somehow managed to defeat Lok. Zhalia was no fool however, after hearing Cathy's retelling of the fight she knew she had gotten lucky. Yet part of her still wanted to give Cathy a small piece of credit. Yes she had gotten lucky, however the sheer will power it took to not just stand to the boy, but to best him as well. Luck or not, that took effort, skill, and a bit of planning. Overall she was alright, if not just a bit too cheery for her taste.

Then there was Sophie, a smart cookie to say the least. Overall, she was a brat and Zhalia wasn't much a fan of her. However, she did take notice of the strange tension between Sophie and Lok. If only she knew of the monster that lay dormant behind the facade of a teenage boy. She shook her head slowly, letting out a long sigh as she finally made it to Dante's home.

When she made it to the courtyard she did not expect to see two sweat covered seekers in training. Laying their backs against clay vases. Both of their right arms covered in what appeared to be some sort of gray ooze. Taking a few steps forward she paused as her nose scrunched up. A fowl oder came to her sense of smell as she quickly covered her nose. "Ugh, what is that?" She said, her tone mirroring her true emotions of disgust.

For which she was responded by a wave from Cathy, her left wrist covered by her two sweatbands. She probably moved the right one to her left to keep it safe. And a groan from Sophie, who appeared to be too tired to give the older woman attitude. Her jacket discarded by her side, leaving her in a short sleeved black shirt.

"Oh hey Zhalia." A groan came from Cathy. "Dante is teaching us the spell Dragon Fist." A heavy sigh escaped the blonde's lips. "Unfortunately we are having some trouble with the second stage."

Sophie stood up and gave a challenge stare at Zhalia, before letting out a tired sigh. Apparently not having enough energy to have her usual spat with her. "I'll let Dante know you're here." Without so much as another glance she left them alone to get Dante.

Zhalia walked up to the vases, scowling at the mixture. "So what's the point of this ?" Cathy suddenly having another burst of energy jumped to her feet. Taking the spot next to Zhalia. "It's to help us teach control, you see there is a trinket in the bottom. With the help of Dragon Fist we have to reach in and grab it." Cathy closed her eyes, holding up the gunk covered fist she let out a deep breath.

A bright red spark came from her hand, red electricity began to from around her fingers leading up to her wrist. A small drop of sweat began to run down her temple. "Dragon Fist." The words were barely spoken above a whisper. As a small golden glow began to mix with the red. Slowly reaching in, her eyes still closed she began to dig in the vase. Until she let out a sharp hiss, and slowly began to pull her arm out of the goop. Cathy had to place her foot on the vase but eventually she dragged her arm out. With a dramatic sigh she looked back to Zhalia. "And that's been most of my morning."

Zhalia couldn't help but be impressed. It was unorthodox sure, but she could see the benefit of the exercise. Having to concentrate not only on the spell, but also on moving through the goop. You would have to not only make sure to keep the spell active, you would also have to be careful to not crush the item in question. It was interesting, teaching a destructive technique through having them use it in an high intensity, yet methodical manner.

"Say Zhalia, you're strong. What was your teacher like ?" Cathy's bright blue eyes glanced up to her. Eyes shinning in wonder. "They must of have been pretty awesome to teach you." Zhalia wanted to scoff and deflect the question. However, seeing the shine in Cathy's eyes. Followed by her bright smile made something in Zhalia soften for a moment.

"He was strict, and he was ruthless, he trained me into the ground and made me dig my self back up. There was no arguing with him." Zhalia crossed her arms as a cold glaze came over her brown eyes. Looking back at Cathy she had seen her deflate ever so slightly.

The coldness slowly melted away from her eyes, as a faint smile almost came to her lips. "But, once I picked my self back up. No matter how dirty or beaten I was. He would carry me on his back. He could carry me all the way home. He would make me a hot meal and tell me how proud he was." Zhalia let the smile now form on her face. "He was cruel, but he was fair."

Looking back Cathy's smile returned to its original brightness. "That's so cool ! Hopefully we can meet him one day." Unfortunately Cathy realized she might have said something wrong. If the deep frown from Zhalia was anything to go by. "Oh uh I'm sorry. I didn't mean uh yeah know." Cathy began to ramble. To which Zhalia was not a fan of.

Cathy stopped as a smirk came to Zhalia's lips. "Say Cathy, you want a little hint to the second stage of the Dragon Fist ?" Cathy smiled at her, but before she could say anything Zhalia held up one finger. "On one condition, you can't tell Sophie about it." Zhalia gave her a moment to think on it. No one would resist more power, no one could.

Cathy's face turned into a frown. Almost as if she tasted the ooze that was on her arm. Cathy stood in front the vase again. Closing her eyes as the red sparks returned to her hand. "No thanks." Was all Cathy said, with those two words. She had left Zhaila speechless.

"huh? But why ?" Zhalia was caught off guard, she thought she had Cathy in the palm of her hand, only to have it bitten. This wasn't what she had been expecting.

"Because, I can't betray my friends." Cathy's breathing began to pick up. "Sophie is my friend, and I won't do that to her so that only I have an advantage." The familiar glow of gold began to form. "Besides, thinking more about it. Dante wanted us to do this on our own. I won't let Sophie or Dante down. Dragon Fist!" She yelled out the spell as a potent flash of gold covered her fist.

Driving the fist into the vase she began to dig through it slowly making sure to just brush the bottom of the vase with her finger tips. Cathy's eyes met a stunned Zhalia, Cathy's lips forming into a big smile. "Just how hopefully one day. I would like to call you a friend as well." Her smile was quickly followed by a playful wink. "Even if you and Sophie have a strange rivalry."

Zhalia had been shocked, this brat wanted to see her as a friend? Not only that, she didn't sell her friend Sophie out so that she could learn a powerful spell. Who was this kid? Was this the real Cathy, or just an act? Before she could respond a voice came from inside the house.

"Alright team, clean up and pack your bags. We got a mission." The gentle command came from Dante. Who came walking down the steps. Sophie walking beside him. "Sorry to run off Zhalia, we will have to reschedule." The look in Dante's eyes turned playful looking at the blue haired seeker. "Unless you want in ?" His tone calm yet challenging.

After having her world turned upside down, Zhalia quickly fixed her self. "Depends Dante, is it any good?" Dante simply chuckled and handed her a card. Her eyes scanned over it, taking in all the information she can. "Legend of the gargoyle huh ? Alright I'm in." With that the teamed had been joined by Zhalia once again.

Dante looked towards Cathy, who had been surprisingly quiet. She was usually the cheer of the team. Yet at the mentioning of a new mission she had been uncharacteristically silent. "Cathy, is everything alright ?" All eyes now looked at a scowling Cathy. Her attitude appearing to be irritated.

Her scowl slowly formed into a smile. The cheer returning to her face as if it never left. "Uh guys. I'm a little stuck." Cathy let out an embarrassed chuckle as she tried to yank her arm out. Only highlighting her troubles. Everyone let out a small laugh as Dante and Sophie grabbed ahold of Cathy slowly pulling out her stuck arm.

They managed to get her arm halfway out, but they seemed to be struggling. Cathy's reserves were tapped out, she didn't have enough energy to pull off another Dragon Fist. However, another pair of hands came and grabbed her goop covered elbow. Cathy looked and saw Zhalia, her face scrunched up as with her help they were finally able to pull her free.

"woo! Thanks guys." Cathy said as she shook her now free arm. With that the team went inside, to pack bags and more importantly clean up. Leaving Zhalia and Cathy at the back of the group. "Hey Zhalia." Cathy's voice called out softly. Only seeing a pair of brown eyes looking to her as a response. She flashed her best smile. "Thank you again. I appreciate it !" She ran past the older woman and into the home.

After a few moments of staring at the doorway, Zahlia let out a small scoff. "Don't mention it."

Authors note's - Hey seekers , sorry for the wait. Here is another chapter. Nextoneshould be out way sooner than a month. Personal stuff aside and all that jazz. Be cool B-King out !